basteln

Etymology
An Upper German verb, from earlier, iterative of , from. The -a- is perhaps dialectal or through readaptation to the underlying noun.

Verb

 * 1)  to perform handicrafts or DIY, to build, to craft (especially something from paper, fabric, and related materials, by cutting, folding, gluing, etc., e.g. such objects as kites, lanterns, calendars, greeting cards),
 * 2)  to tinker (with), to work (on) in an attempt to fix, mend or improve it